Stray Bullet Misses Driver During Shootout

HAMPTON — A stray bullet struck the window of a Newport News woman's car but missed the driver when two men exchanged gunfire at La Salle Avenue and West Queen Street Sunday afternoon, Detective Lt. Eddie Watts said.

One of the suspects in the shootout, Alexander D. Miles, 52, of the 200 block of West Queen Street, was arrested as he fled the area, Watts said. Miles was charged with shooting into an occupied vehicle, discharging a firearm in public and illegally possessing a firearm. Police recovered a .357-caliber Magnum revolver believed to be the weapon Miles had used.

Watts said the charges stemmed from an argument between Miles and Randolph Santiful Jr., 41, in front of the Tinee Giant at 930 LaSalle Ave. After the two argued they left but soon returned, Watts said. "Upon their return, Santiful shot at Miles, missing him." Miles fired back but Watts said Miles' shots were "defensive and reactionary and not directed at Santiful."

Police have warrants charging Santiful, who remains at large, with attempted murder and using a gun in a crime. Watts said Santiful has no permanent address but is known to frequent the 1100 block of LaSalle Avenue.